Character descriptions yes/no/when

[Ann]

My husband just finished reading the first draft of my novel and gave me a LOT of great feedback. I knew it was going to be an issue, but I completely failed to include enough description--about anything.

I've started the rewrite, or rather additional writing, and I'm struggling with what to describe and when, especially when it comes to minor characters.

The world is high fantasy and houses several different races of my own design, so I can't fall back on earthly type conventions to fill in the blanks. How, when, or should I even bother, describing every person we meet?

Thanks!
Ann

[G.G.]

I'd say add a small description when the first character of that race/species in introduced, then only add some through out the book when relevant.

For example, a subtle way to describe that a character is short might be to mention the feet not touching the floor as he or she sits in a chair. You're not telling the readers but rather showing them. Don't repeat that they have pointy ears, scaly skin or blue/black/red or whatever color eyes they have every time. It gets old and the readers should remember if they choose so.

I don't know what POV you use, but if it's either first person POV or close third, think about how the character would react. Would he/she notice everything or if, for them, looks aren't important. If it's a more general third person view, then it's up to you entirely. I'd still wouldn't over do it and leave a bit to the imagination. Little by little the readers should have a good idea of what the characters look like.

That is my humble opinion, maybe others will be able to offer theirs. Good luck!

[Ann]

G.G. wrote: "I'd say add a small description when the first character of that race/species in introduced, then only add some through out the book when relevant.

For example, a subtle way to describe that a cha..."

Thank you! I will have to find a way to work in subtle hints like you suggest.

I held so much back in the first draft, I'm terrified of info dumping, but I seem to have fell victim to the opposite extreme. Hopefully this discussion will help me find a happy medium. :)

Thanks again!

[Demi]

It also depends on sub-genre. Romance and chick-lit readers would expect a lot more details like looks, clothes, rooms, etc., when action/thriller/mystery calls for a snappy distillate.

Humans always 'fill in the blanks' by stereotyping. If the creature is seen for the first time not only by the readers, but by your characters, they would compare it to something familiar and state the most striking difference.
Long descriptions could be good, especially if poetic mood is called for, but for most situations stereotypes work just fine.
For example, if you call a species 'predator'/'warrior'/'flyer'/'amphibian' that is enough to conjure an image with just adding one or two specific detail.
When descriptions use verbs where possible and other senses like sound and smell they work much better. i.e. "His claws clicked on the flagstones of the throne room floor with each jerky step." Try to limit adjectives.

If you say "he lived in a hovel" (or a palace), I can picture a place in general. You can get on straight to the action or dialogue and add objects and furniture (or skin colour/jewellery, etc.) along the way, as dialogue connectors, or when it matters.

I generally prefer when there are no detailed descriptions byond functional (humanoid or not, locomotion mode, special senses, one distinctive feature), and I can imagine the character myself.

[Karen]

If it's a fairly longish scene then you can throw out a detail every few sentences to space out the description. I tend to start with one feature, move along the narrative, drop another in and so on. Sometimes, it's good to read a detailed character description though, especially if it's a one off as it helps to world build as well. Hope I've been a bit helpful, good luck!

[Ann]

Demi and Kate, Thanks very much!

Demi, I'm not sure I have a sub-genre, but it will be middle grade in it's accessibility and young adult (without the usual love tropes) to adult in POV. Kind of an all ages fantasy. I know fantasy readers are used to a lot of description, but younger readers may get bored with too much. Do you think it will just be a line to walk?

[G.G.]

Make the descriptions fun and alive and it won't be a problem. Both will love you for it. :)

[Demi]

What I consider "long" or "fun" may be wildly different from the next person. No reader reads the same book, they say.
Just pick a short scene, write three descriptions varying in detail and length and up it for open beta with Google forms quiz in the end. People'll tell you which they like, and you can go by the popularity vote.

[Ann]

Demi wrote: "What I consider "long" or "fun" may be wildly different from the next person. No reader reads the same book, they say.
Just pick a short scene, write three descriptions varying in detail and length..."

Oooo interesting idea! :)

[G.G.]

Demi wrote: "What I consider "long" or "fun" may be wildly different from the next person. No reader reads the same book, they say.
Just pick a short scene, write three descriptions varying in detail and length..."

What I meant by fun was to try to keep the verb 'to be' as minimal as possible. I don't think anyone find full paragraphs of 'was' or 'is' much fun. But yeah, that might just be me.

[Martin]

Write on, G.G.

"to be or not to be" is an existential question, not a writing question. Lose the 'to be's.